Almac has plans to further expand commercial manufacturing capabilities. Together with the recent completion of a new non-GMP drug development facility at the Craigavon site, this dual expansion represents a total investment of £13.7million, and the addition of 229 jobs during the next three years.
 
Almac’s existing facilities are at full capacity following the success of a laxative product contract manufactured by Almac. Almac plans to focus all production in Northern Ireland with additional equipment and resources in Craigavon. The investment will provide blending equipment, an automated packing and integrated cartoning line, which will enable high volume bulk commercial manufacturing scheduled to begin in November 2013.
 
At the Craigavon site Almac created a new 13,400 sq.-ft. formulation development facility and analytical labs. This facility focuses on the development of tablet and capsule formulations for new drugs in the early stages of development. According to the company, a new “non-GMP” facility will enable greater speed in formulation and process development, by creating an environment where development work can be progressed quickly and efficiently.
 
Graeme McBurney, president and managing director of the Almac business unit said, “The laxative product has been a great success in the UK and increasingly in European markets.  The marketing and promotion of the product by our contract customer has been very effective and significant growth potential in several new territories such as China has been identified. Centralizing and expanding our production in Craigavon will mean more cost effective manufacturing and optimal quality control and distribution.”
 
“We are also delighted to see the completion of the new non-GMP facility on site which, alongside Almac’s existing GMP capability, will enable us to operate with improved speed and efficiency in the early stages of projects. This latest addition makes Almac a much more attractive proposition to international clients who seek streamlined, one stop drug development solutions.”